Leonard E. Burnett Jr., co-CEO and group publisher at Uptown Media Group and VIBE Lifestyle Network, did what many innovators do: He spotted a void in the market and decided to fill it. Uptown, as a lifestyle brand, caters to the affluent, professional of color, often one who works to earn and enjoy the best out of life—one of many in the African American community with a buying power set to reach more than $1.1 trillion by 2015.

But what’s unique is that he’s been able to lead the expansion of publications into brands and help change the perception of urban communities of color in terms of socioeconomic and cultural influence. In a world where being black can be defined by a plethora of experiences, yet blanket stereotypes oftentimes prevail, Burnett seeks to continue showcasing a different side of the coin.

BlackEnterprise.com caught up with Burnett to talk career success, the global perception of urban culture and his advice for other young publishing bosses in the making.